The Campbells Creek Football Netball Club has a new committee at the helm and has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the 2026 Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball Club season.
The Mail caught up for a chat with new president Peter Manning earlier last week about the latest news at the Creek.
Peter comes to the Magpies with decades of experience on football club committees in Melbourne and is delighted to be able to throw his support behind the grassroots country club.
Peter credited outgoing president Renee Taylor and the committee with doing a power of work to get the club on track.
“I’m thrilled to have the support of secretary Maddy Dzioba and treasurer Marg Stevens behind me. They have once again been working tirelessly to get our teams on the ground and court.
“The club is in a strong financial position and we continue to work hard to build our playing group and I am sure we will see some positive results on the field in the not too distant future,” he said.
Peter’s son Matt Manning returns as Senior Football Coach, alongside Assistant Coach Luke Dzioba.
Peter said the club has been able to retain their core playing group and bring in some fresh new talent from Melbourne.
“We have secured five experienced players from the city who have provided a real positive injection into the side and will really lift us to a new level.
“We are also thrilled to welcome back a few former players to bolster our local talent and we are excited for 2026.”
In the Reserves, coaches Ben Tombs and Jordan Picken have also returned and are looking forward to the challenge of the new season as they continue developing the club’s emerging talent.
On the netball court, the club is pleased to welcome new A Grade coach Tyler Fratantaro.
Fratantaro, along with B Grade coaches Lisa Clark and Sheryl Rose, and C Grade coaches Molly Kennedy and Tarni Williams, were impressed by the effort and enthusiasm shown by players during last Thursday night’s practice match against Castlemaine.
Peter said for the new committee there is a strong focus on the future and forward planning.
“We realise that nurturing the junior side of our club is essential to a bright future. Therefore we are making all junior registrations across our football and netball sides free.
“We could use another five or six Under 15 footballers and a few more Under 12s and welcome new faces,” he said.
“Our Auskick program will also be free to encourage little ones to try their hand at Aussie Rules. We are currently on the hunt for a coordinator for this program and would love to hear from anyone who would be keen to lead this important program,” he said.
The Campbells Creek club is also placing a strong focus on community connection and wellbeing.
“We have formed a partnership with Castlemaine Community House and will be encouraging members to donate non-perishable items to support their Food Pantry for those doing it tough,” he said.
“We are also keen to support the valuable work of Castlemaine Safe Space. We are holding a special Sponsors and Volunteers Lunch on June 27 which will feature special guest and ex-AFL great, Australian media personality, and sports commentator Sam Kekovich.
“Many will remember Sam the ambassador for the We Love Our Lamb campaign. He has had an incredible career both on and off the field,” Peter said.
The club held their season launch and jumper presentation at the Five Flags Hotel last Saturday night March 28.
To learn more about playing football or netball at Campbells Creek in 2026 check out the club’s Facebook page or call Marg 0412 807 971 or Maddy 0407 050 838.